Our Landscape

The AONB covers an area of 171 square kilometres ranging from the lowest point on dry land at Northam Burrows, protected from the sea by its Pebble Ridge, to the highest point of 269 metres at Berry Down near Combe Martin, across from the Hangman cliffs of Exmoor. The coastal boundary of the AONB varies from low water mark to high water mark at different sites and extends out to the South Tail sandbank in the mouth of the Taw Torridge estuary. The inland designation line is based on the catchments of the coastal streams of Hartland and North Devon, resulting in a long narrow AONB area for which the setting, whether ocean or inland downs, is highly influential.

The coastal setting of the AONB and its landscape features provide a very high visual quality through the panoramic views both inland and out to sea. The predominantly undeveloped Heritage Coast retains its historic legacy of ancient earthworks and agricultural features combining with the coastal heritage of lime kilns, tourism and fishing villages. A high level of public access within the AONB reflects its special features such as beaches and dunes, land ownership through the National Trust, a network of rights of way and the South West Coast Path running along its entire length. All these features result in a feeling of timelessness, closeness to nature and wilderness with infinite skies, expansive sandy beaches and sheltered woodland combes.

The character of the AONB’s landscape is inextricably linked to the geology, climate, heritage, land management, wildlife and economy of the area. The interaction of man, climate and geology has produced the characteristic features and special qualities of this landscape which contribute to its natural beauty. To find out more about the different elements that contribute to our AONB, follow the links below for policies, descriptions, events and resources on each theme.